MessagefromthePresident
It is an honor to report on the continued operations of Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America (MNPVA) from October 2023 through September 2024. During this time, we successfully organized a wide range of both in-person and virtual activities and maintained a membership of approximately 330-350 members. We offered opportunities to enjoy trap shooting, multi-location bowling leagues, archery, and air gun practice. We once again supported a team of eighteen athletes from our Minnesota chapter to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in New Orleans, Louisiana. We’re so excited to be hosting the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in 2025 as well and hope to see you here! Additionally, thanks to our partnership with the Iowa PVA chapter, we hosted a highly attended Midwest Fishing event that provided a week-long retreat for our members and caregivers. Throughout the year, we also provided support to numerous members participating in various competitions and sports clinics. Back in May, we held the National Convention here in Minneapolis and it was a wonderful time being able to get together with others from all of the chapters.
MNPVA remained steadfast in our advocacy efforts, working tirelessly to improve accessibility in collaboration with local hotels and venues. We actively participated in multiple councils and committees, offering valuable wheelchair-accessible resources. Our legislative team had productive meetings with state and national legislators, advocating for policies promoting the well-being and opportunities of disabled veterans.
Despite the increased support for members attending sports and recreation activities and obtaining prosthetic and adaptive equipment, our chapter remained financially stable. It is worth highlighting that MNPVA expended approximately 83% of our funds to serve our programs, with low overhead expenses. We are committed to being diligent stewards of the funds entrusted to us, ensuring that veterans continue to have access to lifeenriching opportunities. With the steady support from our generous donors and the collaboration of our dedicated leadership, MNPVA remains devoted to serving our members with compassion and effectiveness.
Warmest Regards, Seth Thomas
BoardofDirectors
(FY24-current)
Seth Thomas (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice President)
Linda Hooker (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
Vicky Garrison (Im. Past President)
Todd Kemery (National Director)
John Novicki
Ron James
Bruce Henderson
Jose Garcia
FY23
Vicky Garrison (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice President)
Seth Thomas (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
Todd Kemery (National Director)
Karl Olson
John Novicki
Ron James
Linda Hooker
Bruce Henderson
Jose Garcia
Seth Thomas
Linda Hooker
Karl Olson
Vicky Garrison
Todd Kemery John Novicki Ron James
Jose Garcia
AboutUs
Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America (MNPVA), founded in 1993 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization assisting veterans with sp th en ve
OurPrograms
AdaptiveSportsandRecreationProgram
We offer a variety of adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for our members. We welcome participation by non-member disabled veterans at many of our events. Our goal is to encourage activity and involvement for all, regardless of age, experience, or injury duration. Our program promotes physical and mental health benefits while minimizing social isolation. We offer adaptive trap shooting, bowling, archery, air rifle/pistol, boccia ball, scuba, and more. Our member interest-led Sports & Recreation Program is open to exploring new sports We support members in competitions and major events like the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and also offer tickets to local sporting events.
Advocacy
Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America advocates for disabled veterans, particularly those with spinal cord injuries and disorders. We aim to educate and raise awareness about the daily obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities. By leveraging our affiliations with lawmakers, veterans organizations, and disability groups, we strive to bring about change. Additionally, we collaborate with various organizations in our state to provide resources and support for ADA compliance in areas like recreation, facilities, and businesses Our focus is on empowering our members by reducing the barriers they encounter and enhancing their quality of life.
OurPrograms(continued)
PeerMentoring
Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America (MNPVA) continues to be a source of peer support for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). We provide support for those newly injured or diagnosed, as well as for those facing complications. By intervening at early stages, we can provide a wide range of resources to help veterans cope with changing situations.
MinneapolisVAMedicalCenter
Our office is conveniently located in the SCI/D center at the Minneapolis VAMC. This helps us serve veterans more conveniently and allows us to maintain a great working relationship with the incredible professionals in the SCI/D who care for them.
Membership
MNPVA maintains an active membership program including outreach to potential members, membership luncheons & meetings, assistance with community outings, and aid for adaptive equipment. The chapter publishes a newsletter nine times per year for our members to learn about events, disability news, and community events. We also maintain a website and social media to disseminate important information.
